Discover Tampa: Florida’s Gulf Coast Gem

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Tampa rvierfront and hotels

Explore, Relax & Indulge While Destination Sitters Takes Care of the Kids! 

Tampa is a vibrant waterfront city blending outdoor adventure, cultural treasures, thrilling attractions, and culinary delights. Whether you’re visiting for family fun, luxury relaxation, or a romantic getaway, let Destination Sitters handle childcare so you can experience the best of Tampa stress-free! 

🌿 Local Wonders: Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems 

Beyond its famous beaches, Tampa is home to historic districts, lush parks, and scenic waterfronts. 

Must-See Outdoor Spots 

🌊 Tampa Riverwalk – A 2.6-mile scenic pathway lined with parks, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
🏝 Caladesi Island State Park – One of Florida’s most beautiful undeveloped islands, perfect for shelling and kayaking.
🌴 Bayshore Boulevard – The longest continuous sidewalk in the U.S., great for biking and waterfront views.
🐊 Lettuce Lake Park – A hidden gem for nature lovers, offering boardwalk trails and kayak rentals.
🐬 The Florida Aquarium – See sharks, otters, and a 500,000-gallon coral reef habitat. 

Where to Eat Nearby (4 & 5-Star Picks) 

  • Ulele – A beautiful riverfront restaurant serving Native-inspired Floridian cuisine. 
  • Oxford Exchange – A charming European-style café and bookstore with gourmet dining. 
  • Bern’s Steak House – A Tampa legend known for dry-aged steaks and a world-class wine cellar. 

🎢 Family Fun & Iconic Attractions 

Tampa offers plenty of thrilling attractions for families of all ages. 

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 

🎢 A thrilling African-themed adventure park, featuring: 

  • Cheetah Hunt & Iron Gwazi – Two of Florida’s top roller coasters. 
  • Serengeti Safari Tour – Up-close encounters with zebras, rhinos, and giraffes. 
  • Kid-Friendly Rides – The all-new Sesame Street Safari of Fun. 

ZooTampa at Lowry Park 

🦁 One of the nation’s top zoos, featuring manatee rehab, a water play area, and interactive wildlife experiences. 

Glazer Children’s Museum 

🧩 A hands-on learning museum with STEM exhibits, a water play zone, and a kid-sized city. 

🎟 Pro Tip: CityPASS Tampa includes discounts on Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, and more. 

🌊 Active Pursuits: Adventures on Land & Water 

Tampa’s location on the Gulf of Mexico and Hillsborough River makes it a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts. 

Top Adventures 

🛶 Kayaking Through Weeki Wachee Springs – Paddle through crystal-clear waters filled with manatees.
🐬 Dolphin Tour in Tampa Bay – See wild dolphins and seabirds on a private boat tour.
🚴 Biking the Pinellas Trail – A scenic ride connecting downtown Tampa to St. Pete Beach.
🦩 Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Tampa Bay – Get a breathtaking view of the coastline and skyline. 

Where to Eat Nearby 

  • Columbia Restaurant (Ybor City) – Florida’s oldest restaurant, serving authentic Spanish cuisine. 
  • Elevage SoHo Kitchen – A modern bistro inside the Epicurean Hotel. 

🎭 Arts & Culture: Tampa’s Creative Scene 

Tampa is home to world-class theaters, museums, and historic districts. 

Best Art & Culture Experiences 

🎭 Straz Center for the Performing Arts – Catch Broadway-style shows, concerts, and opera performances.
🎨 Tampa Museum of Art – A contemporary museum with a renowned Greek and Roman collection.
🏛 Ybor CityTampa’s historic Latin district, famous for its Cuban heritage, street performers, and cigar shops. 

Where to Eat Nearby 

  • Mise en Place – A high-end dining spot known for creative, seasonal dishes. 
  • Haven – A cozy, upscale restaurant with an award-winning cheese and charcuterie menu. 

🛍️ Luxe & Local Shopping 

Tampa is a shopping paradise, offering luxury brands, unique boutiques, and waterfront markets. 

Best Shopping Destinations 

👜 Hyde Park Village – A stylish outdoor shopping district featuring designer boutiques and local cafés.
🏬 International Plaza & Bay Street – Tampa’s high-end shopping mall, home to Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Tiffany & Co.
🌴 The Shops at Wiregrass – An open-air shopping experience in nearby Wesley Chapel.
🎭 Ybor City Saturday MarketA local artisan market featuring handmade jewelry, art, and food vendors. 

Where to Eat Nearby 

  • Casa Santo Stefano – A Sicilian-inspired restaurant in a historic cigar factory. 
  • Timpano Hyde Park – A classic Italian steakhouse with a vibrant atmosphere. 

🍽️ Culinary Gems: Tampa’s Best Dining 

Tampa’s food scene blends Latin flavors, fresh seafood, and high-end cuisine. 

Must-Try Restaurants 

🔥 Bern’s Steak House – A Tampa institution famous for its aged steaks and legendary dessert room.
🦐 Oystercatchers – A waterfront seafood restaurant with stunning sunset views.
🌮 Rocca – A Michelin-starred Italian gem known for tableside mozzarella-making.
🍹 CW’s Gin Joint – A swanky cocktail bar with creative drinks and a vintage vibe. 

🌅 Dinner with a View? Try Rusty Pelican for a romantic bayfront experience. 

🛁 Relax & Recharge: Luxurious Spa Retreats 

Indulge in Tampa’s best spas, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. 

Best Spa & Wellness Centers 

💆‍♀️ Spa Evangeline at The Epicurean Hotel – A boutique wellness retreat with custom treatments.
🌿 The Don CeSar Spa – A luxurious beachfront spa in the iconic “Pink Palace” hotel.
🧘‍♀️ Safety Harbor Resort & Spa – A historic spa featuring natural mineral springs. 

💖 Love is in the Air: Romantic Escapes 

From sunset cruises to rooftop cocktails, Tampa is the perfect city for couples. 

Most Romantic Spots 

  • Sunset Cruise on Tampa BayRelax on a luxury yacht while watching the sunset over the skyline. 
  • Dinner at Élevage – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Tampa’s trendy SoHo district. 
  • Helicopter Tour Over Tampa BaySee the city’s coastline and landmarks from the sky. 

💍 Planning a Wedding or Honeymoon? The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club and The Don CeSar offer elegant, waterfront venues. 

✈️ Travel Tips & Info 

📅 Best Time to VisitFall through spring (October to April) offers ideal weather.
Time Zone – Eastern Standard Time (EST).
🛬 AirportTampa International Airport (TPA) – A top-ranked U.S. airport for convenience and service. 

Plan Your Perfect Tampa Getaway! 

While you explore, dine, and unwind, Destination Sitters provides trusted, professional childcare, so you can enjoy Tampa worry-free! 

Why Choose Destination Sitters in Tampa? 

👶 Trusted & Fully Vetted Babysitters – All sitters undergo a background check, are CPR-certified, and are personally interviewed.
🧩 Custom Babysitting Services – Whether you need care for a wedding, conference, date night, or event, we tailor our services to your needs.
🎨 Engaging & Fun – Our sitters bring age-appropriate toys, crafts, and games to keep kids entertained while you relax. 

📍 Book Your Babysitter Today! Scan the QR code below to reserve your trusted Destination Sitters caregiver and enjoy all that Dallas has to offer worry-free. 

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About the Author: Yvonne Wonder

As the founder and managing director of Destination Sitters, LLC, an entrepreneur for over 35 years, 17 years of which has been in childcare relating to the travel sector. I am the mother of two children, I strongly believe that family comes first. Especially when traveling away from home, there is nothing like the peace of mind that comes from getting great professional childcare to care for your children while on vacation. We refer fully vetted and trusted sitters at your travel destination – we come directly to your hotel, vacation rental, Airbnb or event venue! Through the development and growth of Destination Sitters, LLC a national babysitting service brand for traveling parents we currently provide babysitting services in 20 US cities. We service more than 5k hotels nationally, wedding & event planners, and DMC’s from to coast coasts. Whether you are traveling for leisure, business, or a wedding, this time you can bring your kids – your children will be looked after in the safety of your hotel room.

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